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GOP Wants Brown Seated ASAP ... Just Like Kennedy

But state must certify first, Senate rules say

By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 19, 2010 9:00 PM CST

(Newser) – As the victory of Scott Brown in the Massachusetts Senate race sinks in around Washington, Republicans are pushing for Brown to be seated as soon as possible—and using “a novel and ironic precedent,” Brian Beutler and Eric Kleefeld write. Senate rules require a victory be officially certified by the winner’s state (a process that could take weeks) before the senator takes office—but the body waived those rules for Ted Kennedy, the man Brown replaces, in 1962.

Kennedy was seated the day after his election, a Senate historian tells Talking Points Memo, but the body wasn’t in session at the time, so nobody could object. That’s not the case now, and Senate rules can only be suspended by unanimous consent—something hardly likely in today’s rancorously partisan chamber.

Scott Brown watches election-night returns with family and supporters.
Scott Brown watches election-night returns with family and supporters.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 38 comments
DieselDawg
Jan 21, 2010 6:20 AM CST
@count- we are in agreement. As soon as a concession has been made, the victor should be seated asap.
speakerfixer
Jan 20, 2010 11:46 AM CST
If there were evidence of significant vote irregularities or other reasonable potential causes of overturning the result in this election, like there were in Minnesota with Franken, you might have a point. With a FIVE PERCENT margin (100K votes or more), I don't really think you can honestly be serious about this.
Count-Spatula
Jan 20, 2010 11:37 AM CST
And when you vote for Obama, and get a candidate you wouldn't have voted for, what does that mean? Tell us, O purveyor of simpleton slogans.

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